Sexy, brooding cowboys are fine in the movies, but in real life, I prefer a suit and tie. Proper manners. A close shave.

Jack might be gorgeous, but he’s also scruffy, rugged, and rude. He wants nothing to do with a “rich city girl” like me, and he isn’t afraid to say so.

But I’ve got a PR job to do for his family’s farm, so he’s stuck with me and I’m stuck with him. His glares. His moods. His tight jeans. His muscles.

His huge, hard muscles.

Pretty soon there’s a whole different kind of tension between us, the kind that has me misbehaving in barns, trees, and pickup trucks. I’ve never done anything so out of character—but it feels too good to stop.

And the more I learn about the grieving ex-Army sergeant, the better I understand him. Losing his wife left him broken and bitter and blaming himself. He doesn’t think he deserves a second chance at happiness.

But he’s wrong.

I don’t need to be his first love. If only he’d let me be his last.

After getting into the first few chapters, I knew that I would enjoy After We Fall. What Margot did was amusing and I knew she was my type of girl. Even though Margot was from money, she was a down to earth girl, who had an opened mind. She was sweet, she genuinely cared about others and listened when she needed to. She stepped up to any challenge thrown at her, especially when Jack challenged her.

Jack's story made my heart ache, and it was sad to see him still harbouring all that loss. He was a broody and kind of rude farmer that didn't like change. Once Margot appeared, a little spark ignited in him and I enjoyed seeing him change. He struggled with what he wanted and letting go of his past.

Margot and Jack were sweet together, the attraction between them was intense, no matter how hard Jack tried to ignore it. It was amusing to see them on the farm and even though Margot had no idea what she was doing, was willing to have a go at anything. My heart ached for Jack, but I loved his tenderness. Margot was so patient as she waited for him to see her, and realise that what they had was good for both of them. Once they gave into their desires, they were so hot together.

I enjoyed the narration by Rob Howard and Renee Givens, they gave the perfect voices to both of the characters. It's been a while since I read one of Melanie Harlow's books, and I've forgotten how much emotion she puts into her stories. My chest hurt and I shed a tear, but I also felt the love and passion between them. I know I'll be reading more from this author!

I have a few quotes today, a sweet moment, a swoony kiss, and an amusing game!

As soon as we got around the side of the barn, out of sight from the house, I grabbed Margot’s hand, spun her around, and kissed her. Our arms wrapped around each other, our bodies straining to get closer, as if it had been a lot longer than just a few hours since we’d seen each other. She smelled like last night—vanilla and sex.

Kindle Page 191

“Oh no? Let’s play a game.” He gave me a sidelong glance. “I’ll name something, and if you’ve never done it, you have to take off a piece of clothing.”
“What?” I said indignantly. “OK fine, but if I have done it, you have to.”
“Fine with me,” he said.
“OK, then. Go.”
“Changed a flat tire.”
“Oh, come on!” I scoffed. “Start with an easier one. Who does that for herself?”

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. Her stories are inspired by a sense of place, an appreciation for the past, and unexpected pleasures in life—especially the romantic kind. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.